Pitch Tips

Commercially viable projects with theatrical release.

About Your Host

Mike Burkenbine began his entertainment career at ACNielsen where he undertook the role of business development and created a consumer tracking system for Home Entertainment sales; VideoScan ™. This system allows filmmakers and studios alike to track and analyze film sales and rentals to consumers. Mike also devised the analytical techniques used to forecast feature film revenue and distribution, improve profitability of acquisitions, as well as devise marketing tactics and strategies. Using his ground-breaking analytics, Mike impacted the revenue at The Walt Disney Company, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures Entertainment, and NBC/Universal studios.

Also during this time Mike completed his MBA in Entertainment at the University of Southern California. From there he was recruited to work for Sony Pictures Entertainment. As Executive Director, he was responsible for multi-national sales forecasting, supply chain, marketing research, merchandising, sales reporting, acquisitions, and business development. His leadership resulted in increased margins and revenue of produced and acquired feature film and television projects. Some of the hundreds of titles for which he impacted revenue and margins include Men In Black, Jerry Maguire, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Godzilla, Spider-Man, Stuart Little, Girl, Interrupted, Resident Evil, Michael Flatly, Lord of the Dance, and Seinfeld.

Next, Mike took on the role of Vice President, Ventura Distribution which was the world’s largest distributor of independent films. His responsibilities included acquisitions, MG negotiations, sales forecasting, digital strategy, retail marketing, merchandising, release scheduling, and brand management.

Currently, Mike is the CEO of Becket Film Fund, a feature film financing company whose films focus on inclusion of under-represented writers, directors, and actors. These multi-nationally distributed and marketed films generated superior revenue streams. Mike is also a feature film consultant who generates analytics that optimize financing, distribution, and marketing for independent films.

Mike’s philanthropic activities have included: Board of Directors, USC Associates, Board of Advisors & Chairman, Student/Alumni Committee for the Marshall School of Business; and Board of Directors, Special Olympics of Southern California.

HOW IT WORKS

After you sign up, you will receive instructions on how to submit your contact info or written pitch via the Material Submission Form.

Your material/contact submission is due as soon as you are ready, but no later than 2 hours prior to the start of the session.

You will receive this exec's feedback on your pitch within 5 business days following the session unless otherwise notified.

Cancellation Policy: You may cancel for a full refund up to 72 hours prior to the start of the session. Cancellations requested after this period will be ineligible for refunds.

THE ROADMAP PROMISE

Roadmap Writers prides itself on the quality of executives we bring to our programs and we work hard to get you the best feedback possible.

Our vetted executives are chosen by the legitimacy of the companies they work for and their ability to evaluate pitches and pages.

Only the executives you sign up for will be provided with your materials.

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Roadmap Writers is a training service. It is in no way a talent agency or a business in talent management. Roadmap Writers does not procure or attempt to procure employment for writers. Roadmap Writers does not manage or direct the development of a writer's career. Roadmap Writers does not procure or attempt to procure the purchase of the writer's Material. Roadmap Writers makes no representation that writers will find representation by an agent or manager. Workshops, pitch sessions, and the other services provided by Roadmap Writers are not job interviews or auditions. The presence of executives or others with industry experience at workshops, pitch sessions, and other services provided by Roadmap Writers is neither a promise nor a guarantee of employment or an audition. Roadmap Writers' services are for educational and training purposes only.